Mark 9:1-13 | Psalm 65:1-6
As always, there’s a lot to consider in this passage. For now, today the notion of not speaking after such a demonstration of power leaps off the page. What is a display of power except something to be known? …to be used as an affirmation of authority? …to be repeated to put people into order?
A lot of us Christians would do well to note the progression of the events on the transfiguration mountain.
Journey & Effort →
Solitude →
Powerful Display of God’s Power →
Presence of the Prophetic and the Law →
Descent →
Continue on in life
No further fanfare. No bragging. No attempts to replicate the experience week after week. Just patience and gratitude.
Mark 9:1-13
Jesus continued, “I assure you that some standing here won’t die before they see God’s kingdom arrive in power.”
Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified.
Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, wondering, “What’s this ‘rising from the dead’?” They asked Jesus, “Why do the legal experts say that Elijah must come first?”
He answered, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. Why was it written that the Human One would suffer many things and be rejected? In fact, I tell you that Elijah has come, but they did to him whatever they wanted, just as it was written about him.”
Psalm 65:1-6
God of Zion, to you even silence is praise.
Promises made to you are kept—
you listen to prayer—
and all living things come to you.
When wrongdoings become too much for me,
you forgive our sins.
How happy is the one you choose to bring close,
the one who lives in your courtyards!
We are filled full by the goodness of your house,
by the holiness of your temple.
In righteousness you answer us,
by your awesome deeds,
God of our salvation—
you, who are the security
of all the far edges of the earth,
even the distant seas.
You establish the mountains by your strength;
you are dressed in raw power.
Prayer
God,
I’m still not sure I understand what happened on that transfiguration mountain. I get that it united Christ with the prophets and the law. I get that it demonstrated your affirmation of Jesus. I get that it showed the disciples your power and Jesus’ reception of it.
But it’s hard for me to place the story. I’m okay with that.
Jesus climbed a lot of mountains alone. Did this happen often and we just know about this one because those three were with him this time? Is this what it’s like to truly commune with you?
Regardless, Lord, I give you this day. I don’t expect to see you in such a powerful and visual way today, but I’m open to it! Either way, may I know your power, your love, and your affirmation in whatever ways you choose.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.
Thank you for your patience these last two days with no postings. Suffice to say, a lot transpired in the life of the writer. But we’re back at it, halfway through Mark and on track to finish these gospels in a year.